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The Ghost of Kathleen who Loved St. Kevin in Glendalough

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In the Monastic City of Glendalough in Ireland, the ghost of Kathleen is still haunting the place as her love for the hermit, St. Kevin went wrong. Did he really just reject her? Or did he in fact kill her as well?

“In Glendalough, there lived an auld saint, renowned for his learning and piety, his manners were curious and quaint, and he looked upon girls with disparity.”
– The Glendalough Saint

In the heart of the enchanting Glendalough in the valley between two lakes, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of County Wicklow, Ireland, lies a centuries-old legend that continues to cast its spectral spell in the place called the Monastic City. 

Glendalough is where one of the earliest monastic settlements was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. He was known for his hermit life and pious look at life in prayer and meditation. It is said he died when he was 120 years old and has a lot of strange and mystical legends surrounding him and his life. 

Two Tales of Love and Remorse

One of the legends is the tale of the ghost of Kathleen haunting the monastic site of Glendalough. She is said to be a woman wearing red whose ethereal presence has etched itself into the annals of Irish folklore and was also published in ‘Haunted Ireland: A Select book of famous Irish ghost stories’ by Leo Bowes in 1975.

St: Kevin

There exist two versions of Kathleen’s haunting narrative, each weaving a unique tapestry of love, desire, and redemption.

Kathleen the Seductress

In the first version, the story unfurls with a local maiden named Kathleen, captivated by the youthful and handsome St. Kevin who was living as a hermit and not looking for earthly love. Although she knew this she sought to seduce the holy man. Yet, St. Kevin, resolute in his faith, rebuffed her advances. 

When she didn’t give up her advances though, he plucked stinging nettles and stung Kathleen upon her face, arms, and feet until her senses returned. Overwhelmed by remorse and shame of what she had done, Kathleen fell to her knees, pleading for forgiveness. St. Kevin, ever the symbol of mercy, offered up prayers to help her see the error of her ways. 

His prayers found favor with the heavens, and Kathleen underwent a profound transformation, becoming a “sincere convert” to the path of righteousness and to lead a pure life from then on.

Kathleen the Witch

The second version of this beguiling legend paints a darker portrait of Kathleen, one of obsession and tragedy. In this rendition, Kathleen, possibly a practitioner of the dark arts and a witch, became so infatuated with the young St. Kevin that she followed him to his remote cave, perched high upon the side of Lugduff Mountain, now known as St. Kevin’s Bed. 

St. Kevin’s Cell: was a stone structure located on a rocky spur above the lake. Only its foundations remain today, and it may have had a stone-corbelled roof. St. Kevin’s Bed is a cave in the rock face, situated about 8 meters above the Upper Lake’s level on its southern side, near The Spinc cliffs. It was traditionally considered a retreat for St. Kevin and later for St. Laurence O’Toole. Partly created by human hands, the cave extends 2 meters into the rock.

This is a cave in the rock on the south side of the Upper Lake and was reportedly a retreat place for St. Kevin spent large parts of his life alone. 

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

Fueled by anger that she had forced her way into his holy place of solitude, St. Kevin pushed Kathleen over the precipice of the mountain cliff, where she met her untimely end in the waters below, drowning.

This is the version we find in the folk song about this legend as well, that were made famous when The Dubliners sang it:

Eerie Apparitions in Glendalough

Through the ages, the spectral presence of Kathleen has manifested itself to those who tread the hallowed grounds of Glendalough, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of local history and lore.

The Wicklow People newspaper, in an article dated April 25th, 1975, documented three chilling sightings of this enigmatic ghostly figure.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

The first account speaks of a couple who visited Glendalough on All Souls’ Day in 1970. Armed with their camera, they captured the serene beauty of the landscape. Upon developing their photographs, an unexpected and unsettling sight emerged—a weathered old woman, shrouded in a shawl, standing just a few feet away from the photographer’s fiancé.

St. Kevin’s Church: It is commonly referred to as St. Kevin’s Kitchen, although it was not used for cooking. Its original purpose is unknown although it may have been used to house relics of St. Kevin.

The second sighting involves an American visitor and her daughter, who embarked on a tour of the site in November 1974. When the film from their trip was developed, their images revealed an astonishing figure—a woman draped in a long red gown and shawl, her steps quickening along a path leading to the ancient tower.

The third report comes from Dick Fuller, an American who chose to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland in March 1975. During his visit to Glendalough, he bore witness to something truly extraordinary and said this of their encounter:

My wife had gone to see if the gift shop was open, while I visited the cemetery. I walked from the entrance to the Tower and went around to see if I could read the inscription on the back of the stones. I glanced around to see if my wife was joining me and, as I did so, I saw a red figure moving from the left to the right, towards a fallen down building. I thought it was another person in the cemetery. I walked towards the ruins, expecting to see a person dressed in red, but there was no one there’. He continued ‘Since there was only one entrance the person couldn’t have appeared without passing me… as far as I am concerned, I saw a ghost.

The Monk in Black Robe

The ghost of Kathleen in Red is not the only ghost said to haunt the ancient place though. More recently there have been reports about seeing someone that looks like a monk wearing a black robe. 

This comes from a camping trip in the early 2000 when a group of friends decided to set up a tent on the ancient site. They fled soon enough though when they heard footsteps and suddenly saw a group of monks standing close to them, watching them. 

Glendalough Mysterious Charm

In the Glendalough, where the mists caress the ancient stones and the wind whispers tales of old, we find the conclusion to the haunting legend of Kathleen and St. Kevin.

While the truth about Kathleen’s fate remains shrouded in mystery, the legacy of her ghostly presence lives on. In the Monastic City of Glendalough, visitors still report inexplicable sightings and eerie encounters, as if Kathleen’s spirit lingers, eternally bound to the place that holds both her love and her tragedy.

Although the stories differ, whether depicting Kathleen as a seductress seeking redemption or a witch consumed by obsession, the underlying message remains the same. Love, desire, and remorse intertwine in the tapestry of this haunting tale, reminding us of the power of our choices and the consequences they bear.

Glendalough: A glacial valley known for its Early Medieval monastic settlement, established in the 6th century by St. Kevin. The valley was the site of a galena lead mine from 1825 to 1957. Today, Glendalough serves as a recreational area, offering opportunities for picnics, hiking on well-maintained trails of various difficulty levels, and rock-climbing.

As the ghostly figure of Kathleen continues to materialize in photographs and stories, the ethereal beauty of Glendalough’s landscape becomes intertwined with her spectral presence. Her apparition, dressed in red, stands as a reminder of the longing and heartache that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter her.

And as the misty veil of Glendalough parts to reveal the specter of St. Kevin, a monk in a black robe, it becomes evident that the Monastic City holds more secrets than can be comprehended. The sightings of this enigmatic figure, together with Kathleen’s ghost, add to the mysterious charm that permeates the air, captivating and intriguing all who venture into this ancient place.

As the sun sets over the ancient ruins, and the shadows lengthen, the ghostly whispers of Kathleen and St. Kevin still resonate through the valley. Glendalough remains a place of intrigue and fascination, inviting all who are drawn to its enigmatic charm to experience the ethereal touch of Kathleen’s ghost, forever wandering the sacred grounds of her lost love.

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References:

The Ghost of Glendalough – County Wicklow Heritage 

Kevin of Glendalough – Wikipedia 

Glendalough | Haunted Wicklow, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

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10 Most Haunted Places in Paris

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A list of the ten most haunted places in Paris, from haunted houses on cobbled streets, catacombs, and marbled and golden palaces.

Haunted places in Paris are said to be, well, very French. The ghost stories we find in this city are tales of jilted lovers in romantic date sites, fleeting shadows under the canopy trees in picturesque parks to royal ghosts inside of the historic buildings close to the whole world have heard of.

But just like the pitch dark of the underground necropolis of the catacombs under the rose colored city above, the ghost stories found in this city are just as dark. This is by no way a complete list of what tales you can find in Paris, and for a more extensive list, head over to the archives of France. But for now, let’s have a look at some of the most haunted places in Paris.

No. 1 on Avenue Frochot | Quartier Saint-Georges | Paris — The cursed haunted house behind the iron fences

Most Haunted Places in Paris: Avenue Frochot, from number 1 to number 7, picture taken between 1915 and 1925.

Avenue Frochot in Paris harbors the infamous Haunted House, shrouded in mystery and dark secrets that have intrigued locals and visitors alike for centuries. This historic avenue, once home to Paris’ elite, including renowned figures like Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, hides a chilling tale within its iron-fenced properties.

At the heart of this enigma is the Haunted House, where a chambermaid met a tragic end at the hands of an unknown assailant in the early 1900s. Despite her killer evading capture, her spirit is said to linger within the mansion’s walls, perpetually haunting the premises.

Eerie tales abound of ghostly footsteps echoing through the empty corridors and shadowy figures glimpsed through the windows, even in the dead of night. The house, steeped in a sinister aura, carries a curse that has plagued its occupants over the years. Theater critic Mathieu Galey met his demise within its confines, mirroring the fate of composer Victor Massé a century prior. Even renowned singer Sylvie Vartan, who acquired the property in the 1970s, hastily departed mere days after moving in, purportedly due to the spectral presence haunting the house.

Read the whole story: The Mystery of the Haunted House on Avenue Frochot

Jardin Tuileries | L’Homme Rouge | Paris — The red man haunting the garden as an omen

Most Haunted Places in Paris: Said to house the red man, the ghost of a former servant has now become a national symbol and an omen.

The Tuileries Palace, once a grand royal residence adjacent to the Louvre Palace in Paris, holds within its storied history a chilling tale of revenge from beyond the grave and is perhaps one of the most haunted places in Paris. Constructed in the 16th century by Queen Catherine de Medici, this opulent palace was tragically destroyed by fire in 1871 during the tumultuous period of the Paris Commune. However, amidst the ruins lies a lingering specter, known as The Red Man, whose vengeful spirit haunts the nearby Tuileries Gardens to this day.

Legend has it that The Red Man is the restless soul of Jean l’Ecorcheur, a loyal servant turned assassin in service to Queen Catherine. Jean, also known as Jean the Skinner, earned his grisly nickname through his dual roles as a butcher and a clandestine operative for the queen. However, his intimate knowledge of the royal family’s secrets proved to be his undoing. Fearful that he would betray her, Queen Catherine ordered his demise, resulting in a brutal murder within the confines of the Tuileries Gardens.

In death, Jean’s spirit is said to have risen from the grave, cursing all those who dwelled within the palace walls. The Red Man became a harbinger of doom, appearing before significant events that befell the French royals. From the assassination of King Henry IV to the execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution, sightings of The Red Man preceded these tragic events like a sinister omen.

Read the whole story: The Red Man haunting the Jardin Tuileries in Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral | Île de la Cité — The haunted cathedral made by the help of the devil

Most Haunted Places in Paris: Perhaps one of the most well known buildings in Paris are also one of the most haunted?

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris stands as an iconic symbol of Gothic architecture and spiritual significance, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at its breathtaking beauty and delve into its rich history. However, alongside its awe-inspiring features, the cathedral is also steeped in tales of mystery and the supernatural.

Dating back to its construction in 1163, Notre Dame has amassed a wealth of stories, some of which hint at ghostly encounters within its hallowed halls. Among these legends is the chilling tale of an ironworker named Biscornet, who purportedly struck a deal with the devil to complete the cathedral’s metalwork in time for its inauguration. Despite his successful craftsmanship, the doors he fashioned remained mysteriously sealed shut until holy water was applied, revealing a note hinting at his demonic pact.

But tales of spectral encounters don’t end there. Legends speak of two ghostly women haunting the cathedral’s roof, their ethereal figures glimpsed among the stone gargoyles and gothic sculptures. Witnesses claim to have seen these apparitions walking the roof before inexplicably vanishing into thin air or plunging to their demise.

Read the whole story: The Haunted Halls of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral 

Père Lachaise Cemetery | Boulevard de Ménilmontant — The haunted cemetery of bloody revolutions and celebrities

Most Haunted Places in Paris: Looking almost like a city itself, this graveyard houses any celebrities as their final resting place. Although, some are said to haunt the place.

The Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, renowned for its historic significance and famous inhabitants like Jim Morrison and Marcel Proust, has long been shrouded in mystery and ghostly tales and thought to be one of the most haunted places in Paris as well. Established in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon, this sprawling necropolis covers over 110 acres and attracts visitors from around the globe.

Despite its solemn purpose, the cemetery has witnessed its share of turmoil, including the execution of Communards during the Bloody Week of 1871. Reports of ghostly encounters abound, with visitors and cemetery workers alike recounting eerie experiences among the graves and mausoleums. Additionally, tales of restless spirits, like those of fallen soldiers from past battles, contribute to its haunted reputation.

The cemetery’s most peculiar legend revolves around Baroness Elisabeth Stroganova, whose mausoleum is rumored to hold dark secrets. According to lore, Stroganova offered a substantial inheritance to anyone who could endure spending a full year inside her tomb. Despite several attempts, no one has successfully completed the challenge, leading to speculation about the baroness’s motives and the eerie atmosphere surrounding her grave.

Read the whole story: Paris’ Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery

Parc Montsouris | Arrondissement de l’Observatoire — The headless ghost in the park

Most Haunted Places in Paris: A good place for a picnic as well as a place to see ghosts. source

Parc Montsouris, nestled in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, stands as a lush oasis steeped in both beauty and mystery. Its verdant landscapes and serene lake belie a history fraught with tales of the supernatural, where strange occurrences and hauntings have left an indelible mark on its tranquil ambiance.

One chilling legend recounts an incident during the park’s official opening, where a tragic mistake led to the accidental draining of the artificial lake, purportedly driving the park engineer to take his own life. Although historical records confirm the lake’s sudden drainage in 1878, there is scant evidence of the alleged suicide.

Parc Montsouris also bears witness to darker chapters in history, notably serving as a testing ground for the guillotine during the French Revolution. Echoes of this gruesome past linger, with some visitors reporting eerie sensations reminiscent of the blade’s swift descent.

Among the park’s most infamous legends is the tale of Isaure de Montsouris, whose grisly murder by bandits allegedly left his restless spirit to roam the grounds.

Read the whole story: The Headless Hauntings of Parc Montsouris

Eiffel Tower | le septième — The haunted and deadly romance at the top of the most romantic place on earth

Most Haunted Places in Paris: Perhaps one of the worlds most romantic coded places in the world. Also the most haunted?

The Eiffel Tower, affectionately known as La dame de fer (the Iron Lady), stands as an iconic symbol of romance and modernity in Paris. Constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair, this architectural marvel has since become a magnet for urban legends, mysterious events, and ghostly sightings.

Despite initial criticism for its design, the tower captivated audiences with its grandeur and size, remaining the world’s tallest structure for over four decades. Today, it continues to draw millions of visitors, contributing to Paris’ reputation as a city of romance and intrigue.

Amidst marriage proposals and picturesque views, the Eiffel Tower harbors darker tales, including stories of jilted lovers and tragic endings. One legend tells of a heartbroken couple meeting at the tower in the 1920s, where a rejected proposal led to a fatal fall. Some claim to have encountered the spirit of the jilted lover or his scorned partner, perpetuating the tower’s haunted reputation and of being one of the most haunted places in Paris.

Read the whole story: Exploring the Ghost Stories on top of Paris’ Eiffel Tower

Château de Versailles | Yvelines — The time travelling ghost in the royal palace

Most Haunted Places in Paris: The Apollo Fontain outside in the gardens of Château de Versailles

Constructed under the reign of King Louis XIV, Château de Versailles began as a modest hunting lodge in 1623 before blossoming into the lavish palace known today. With its dark history and tales of ghostly apparitions, the palace has become a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Among the spectral residents said to roam the palace is the ghost of Louis XIV himself, the Sun King whose undying affection for Versailles lingers beyond the grave. Witnesses claim to have glimpsed his regal figure traversing his favored chambers and garden pathways, accompanied by the phantom echoes of midnight horse gallops, evoking his funeral procession.

Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated queen of France, is another prominent specter said to wander the palace grounds, her ghostly visage often sighted near the Grand Trianon or within the palace walls. Some recount hearing her mournful sobs echoing through empty corridors, while others claim to have seen her clad in her iconic white gown, clutching a white rose as she roams the estate.

Even in the quiet of the night, whispers of unseen spirits pervade the dimly lit hallways and gardens of Château de Versailles. Visitors have reported eerie noises and chilling sensations, with some claiming to have glimpsed shadowy figures lurking in the shadows, adding to the palace’s mystique and allure as a haunted destination.

Read the whole story: The Time Travelling Ghost Haunting Château de Versailles

The Catacombs | Place Denfert-Rochereau | Paris — The mysterious underground necropolis

Most Haunted Places in Paris

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a realm shrouded in darkness and mystery: the Catacombs. Originally an ancient quarry, this network of tunnels now houses the bones of millions of Parisians, relocated from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 1700s.

One infamous story revolves around Philibert Aspairt, a hospital worker who vanished in the catacombs during the French Revolution. Despite efforts to find him, his fate remained unknown until his body was discovered years later. Legend has it that his ghost still roams the labyrinthine corridors, a haunting reminder of the catacombs’ dark past.

But the mysteries of the catacombs extend beyond mere ghost stories. Legends speak of hidden chambers and strange creatures lurking in the shadows, making it perhaps one of the most haunted places in Paris.

Read the whole story: Scary Tales of The Catacombs of Paris

Opéra Garnier| Le Fantôme de l’Opéra | Opéra — The home and haunting of the Phantom of the Opera

Most Haunted Places in Paris

Opéra Garnier Paris, a pinnacle of French culture and architectural marvel, is steeped in a history rich with mysterious tales and eerie legends, with perhaps none more infamous than the story of the Phantom of the Opera.

Built during the Second Empire of France under the visionary architect Charles Garnier, Opéra Garnier’s labyrinthine design and grandeur have long captivated visitors. Yet, beneath its ornate façade lies a realm of secrets, from hidden passages to unexplored depths, where whispers of the supernatural echo through its hallowed halls.

Central to the opera house’s mystique is the legend of the Phantom, an enigmatic figure said to haunt its auditorium, grand staircase, and darkened corridors.

Some attribute the Phantom’s existence to the tragic tale of Ernest, a piano prodigy scarred by a fire at the Le Peletier Opera House in 1873. Seeking refuge within Opéra Garnier’s labyrinthine confines, Ernest is said to have dwelled in the underground lake beneath the building, consumed by grief and rage.

The opera’s eerie reputation is further enhanced by a series of inexplicable deaths and accidents, including the infamous incident of a falling crystal chandelier during a performance of Faust. Linked to seat number 13, this tragedy, immortalized in Gaston Leroux’s novel, adds to the aura of mystery surrounding Opéra Garnier.

Read the whole story: The Legend of the Phantom of Opéra Garnier

Rue Des Chantres | Paris — The lost children haunting the streets of Paris

Most Haunted Places in Paris

Rue des Chantres, near the Seine in Paris, is shrouded in eerie tales of forgotten tragedies and spectral encounters. This small street, close to Notre Dame, holds whispered accounts of agony, death, and haunted houses, painting a sinister picture of its history and is maybe one of the most haunted places in Paris?.

Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s oldest areas, is steeped in legends of paranormal phenomena. Once home to a convent, castle, and numerous haunted houses, this district is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts of the past. Famed figures like Heloise, from the tragic tale of Heloise and Abelard, once resided in this enigmatic locale.

The chilling legend of the Lost Children on Rue des Chantres stems from a devastating event in 1910. During a severe flood, children from a hospital, housed in the Hotel-Dieu, were trapped and drowned in their rooms. Despite efforts to conceal their bodies, many believe these souls still haunt the street, forever denied peace in death.

Since the tragic flood, witnesses have reported hearing children’s screams and laughter echoing from Rue des Chantres. Strange lights and shadowy figures have also been sighted, attributed to the Lost Children who roam the street, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into their realm.

Read the whole story: The Story of the Lost Children on Rue Des Chantres

Most Haunted Places in Paris

As mentioned, this list is only a small list of the most haunted places in Paris, but far from everyone. Head over to the France archives for more ghost stories from there.

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The Many Hauntings of the Reina Sofia Museum

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Ominous messages from the ouija board, ghostly nuns and haunts the former General Hospital in Madrid. Now the Reina Sofia Museum houses modern art and paintings by Picasso and Dali, it also houses Madrid’s dark past. 

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain is said to be one of the most haunted places in the country as well as exhibiting one of the best collections of 20th century modern art. 

The museum opened in 1992 and was named after Queen Sofia of Spain and is mainly dedicated to Spanish art. In 2021 it was the most visited museum in Spain and the 8th most visited art museum in the world.  

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

As well as musing at the works by Picasso, Dali among other of the big artists of that time. The most famous art piece inside is definitely Picasso’s Guerica, it is said to be a place to spot a ghost or two as well in the old building that has a very different origin than the fine art museum it is today. 

The Hospital for the Poor People Sent to Die

Long before it was used as an art museum with famous paintings adorning the walls, the building was used as a hospital. It was built in the 1600s on the orders of King Philip. 

It was the start of unifying hospitals to a general hospital and in the beginning it was also a homeless shelter as well as a hospital. The area they decided to build the grand hospital was known as the Atocha Olive Grove where there already was a hospital for the poor located.

In other words, it was a hospital for the poor people and it was in reality a place where they were sent to die. These types of hospitals had a horrible reputation and were the last place someone wanted to end up as you most likely wouldn’t walk out. 

The New General Hospital in Madrid

It was for a time the biggest institution with thousands of patients that had nowhere else to go. By the middle of the  18th century cared for almost 14,000 patients a year. The hospital always had patients coming in and was always at the limit and over of what they could offer in terms of health service. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from old hospitals like Hauntingly Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital or Hauntings at the Weston State Hospital or the Trans-Allegheny Asylum

It also was always in need of finances and in the end it was mostly financed by charity. And in the mid 17th century the income from bullfights financed many of the general hospitals in Spain.

The place operated as a hospital for almost 300 years before closing down as a hospital in 1969. 

What happened during the time as a Hospital

Who really knows the extent of what went on in the centuries the hospital was in operation. From the morbid medieval methods of medicine, countless of plagues throughout the times, the Spanish Inquisition as well as the Spanish Civil War were it is said the hospital was used as a place of torture and executions.

The Haunting of the Nuns

The people that worked there were mostly nuns, and it is those people who claim to haunt the halls as well as the patients that died. 

One of these events people claimed to have witnessed was the three nuns walking slowly side by side. They had their hands over their shoulders and their rosary at their waist. While walking they were singing a religious song. When they walked to the end og the corridor, they vanished into the thin air and the only thing left was the faint ringing of bells. 

The Bodies Discovered During Renovation

When the place was converted into the art gallery it is today, they did some major renovations of the place. During the renovations in 1982 the construction workers found plenty of human skulls and skeletons together with shackles and chains.  

They were found everywhere around the old hospital, especially in the garden and the surrounding areas.

During another stage of the rebuilding in 1990 they found many skeletons of children as well as allegedly finding three mummified nuns in one of the chapels. 

Atalúlfo the Ghost from the Ouija Board

Ghoulish screams and ghostly shapes wandering the halls are said to be some of the hauntings happening in the former hospital. There are also doors slamming shut seen by the security guards working the night shift. 

The cleaning personnel came in in the early morning and saw figures sitting on the benches in the patio and museum visitors that mistook ghosts for real living people.

Once a group of four museum guards wanted to have some fun in the long night shift and decided to try out a ouija board to test out the rumors about their workplace being true. 

They asked for contact and when asked the board spelled out that his name was Atalúlfo , and he came with a warning. He said he was a patient at the hospital and had been a madman as well as a murderer. When further questioned Atalúlfo said: “In a couple of days you are going to have a great misfortune. Get Ready”.

A couple of days later, one of the guard’s close relatives died in a traffic accident, and they never played the game again. The ghost of Atalúlfo continued to haunt and a guard tried to leave and filed a complaint where he blamed his anxiousness at work because of the disturbances caused by this ghost. 

One former employee even wrote a report after being denied a transfer. According to this report by  Raquel Arrogante Díaz, she had started to experience anxiety as soon as she started working right next to the famous painting of Guernica. She also started to hear voices and started to speak in a little girl’s voice, as if someone was manifesting their spirit through her body.

Paranormal Investigation by the Hepta Group

In 1992 a group of paranormal researchers known as The Hepta Group were allowed by the authorities to investigate these claims that the night guards spoke of. They were led by the well known priest José María Pilón and had an architect, physicists, a journalist and a photographer

The Hepta Group went down in the underground corridors, crypts and investigated the old walls. They came back with many tales, figures in the shadow, locked doors unlocking and opening. Mostly they talked about people in religious attire like a nun and monk in his robe wandering the halls.

There have also been complaints about the elevator malfunctioning that they would suddenly start and go up and down, making the security guards think there was a break in. When they went to investigate the elevators, there was no one there when the doors opened. There have also been reports about alarms going off for no reason.

A second investigation by the Hepta group was conducted in 1995. They tried to publish the story and it was published in the newspaper El Diario on April 21 the same year. It didn’t really cause a big stir as the publication of the ghosts in the Linares Palace nearby overshadowed it a bit and the story was slowly forgotten. 

The hauntings continued though with new witnesses constantly seeing ghostly figures, hearing shouts and voices coming from no one. 

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References:

https://www.elespanol.com/reportajes/grandes-historias/20160923/157734813_0.html
Ghosts in the Reina Sofí­a Museum | Bindu Trips
The 5 most Haunted Places in Spain
Hospital General y de la Pasión – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

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The Ghostly Screams from Pune’s Shaniwar Wada Fort

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Every full moon it is said that the dying screams of the young Peshwa Prince that was brutally murdered echoes through Shaniwar Wada Fort. The murder was so horrible that it is said to have opened for every spirit that died in the old fort. 

Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is a city steeped in history and mystery. The Maratha Empire was an early modern India that controlled large portions in the 18th century, at its peak in 1758 from the south to the Sutlej River in the north until its fall in 1818. 

And when it comes to mysterious tales, the Shaniwar Wada Fort stands out as one of the most intriguing and haunting structures in the city. 

Shaniwar Wada Fort: The Delhi Darwaza is the main gate of the complex, facing north towards Delhi. The gatehouse is strongly built with massive doors, large enough for elephants with seating canopies. The Shaniwar Wada Fort was built by a contractor from Rajasthan known as ‘Kumawat’ after completing construction. The gate is used for ceremonial purposes and military campaigns depart and arrive here with religious ceremonies.

Built in the 1730 century and was the seat of the Peshwas until 1818 when they lost it to the East India Company. The Peshwa was the second highest rank in the Maratha Empire, serving as a prime minister and de facto ruler when it became hereditary position in 1749. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The Shaniwar Wada Fort was witness to several historical events, including political intrigues, battles, and even a tragic supernatural incident. The fort’s eerie atmosphere and the unsolved mysteries surrounding it have fascinated locals and visitors alike for generations. 

From the mysterious footsteps that echo through its corridors at night to the blood-curdling screams that can be heard on full-moon nights, the Shaniwar Wada Fort has been the subject of many chilling tales. 

The Ghosts of the Peshwa’s at Shaniwar Wada Fort

The Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao was the 8th Peshwa from 1740 until his death in 1761. He was also known under the name, Nana Saheb and had three sons – Madhav, Vishwas and Narayan Rao. Under Peshwa Nana Saheb’s reign the empire reached its peak and golden era, but it went downhill for his family from then on. His eldest son, Vishwas Rao died in battle and the 8th Peshwa got depressed after his first son died and died in 1761. 

The burden was too heavy on the second son Madhav Rao who was appointed the 9th Peshwa after his father and brothers death at the age of 16 with his uncle Raghunath Rao acting as his regent for a long time. But their relationship turned sour however and the uncle was put under house arrest. 

The young prince got tuberculosis though and the sickness killed him slowly until his death in 1772 and his death was seen as the start of the end of the Maratha Confederacy.  

Because Madhac Rao died slowly, he also had the time to appoint the next heir, and he chose his younger brother, Narayan Rao, although his performance didn’t really impress anyone. 

The Tragic Life of Narayan Rao

Narayan Rao (नारायणराव पेशवे) was a young man of only 16 or 18 when it was announced. The fact that he was to inherit the title and seat was not taken well by his relatives. His uncle Raghunath Rao and his wife Anandi Bai were ambitious and willing to go far to get the power. Even though they were in house arrest, the uncle tried to escape several times and the scheming continued.

It is said that they hired a tribe of hunters known as Gardis by letter. The Gardi soldiers were employed by the Peshwa for police duty around the palace and in Pune. They had no personal attachment to their employer and were soldiers from North India, Ethiopia, Arabs and so on. During Madhav Rao’s reign he had emptied the treasury and owed them many years of payments. It is also said that they used the Kalbelia tribe, which are a snake charming tribe from the desert in Rajasthan. 

The letter from the uncle was supposed to say:  “Narayan Rao la dhara”, which means “Hold Narayan Rao” as his plan was to kidnap him and hold him in a house arrest. However, his wife got hold of the letter and changed it to “Narayan Rao la mara” which means “Kill Narayan Rao”. 

The assassination happened during the Ganesh Chathurhu Festival in August with over 500 men storming the Shaniwar Wada Fort. 

They got him from his chambers and they chopped his body into small pieces and threw them in a nearby river to rid themselves of evidence. It is also said that his remains were gathered in a bundle to be cremated. But did he? There is a rumor that because of his murder and because he didn’t even get a cremation he returned as a ghost. 

The Ghostly Sightings at Shaniwar Wada Fort

Legend has it that his ghost still haunts the Shaniwar Wada Fort, and on full-moon nights, his blood-curdling screams can be heard echoing through the corridors of the fort. “Kaka Mala Vacchva“ he screams which means “Please save me uncle”. Visitors to the fort have reported feeling an eerie presence and hearing strange noises, making it a prime location for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.

The Shaniwar Wada Fort has been the site of several ghostly sightings over the years and people are discouraged to enter it after 6:30 in the evening. Visitors have reported seeing the ghost of a young prince roaming the corridors of the fort and heard his screams on full moon nights

It is even said that the 13th and the last Peswha, Baji Rao II believed in the presence of the ghost. To satisfy and appease the ghost he planted thousands of mango trees around Pune city as well as donating  to Brahmins and religious institutions. 

Other Ghosts Haunting the Fort

But it is not only the young prince that is said to be haunting the Shaniwar Wada Fort as the murder was so heinous and awful and said to have opened a portal to the underworld for the other people that died inside of the fort. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Castles around the world

Others have reported seeing the ghost of a lady in white, who is said to have been a courtesan in the Peshwa court once upon a time. These ghostly sightings only add to the overall mystery and intrigue of the fort.

The Mysteries of Shaniwar Wada Fort Remain Unsolved

Another strange thing that happened was the fire. Pune fortress broke out in 1828 when the British controlled it. The fire lasted for 7 days and destroyed everything but the stone part of the building. No one has found out what really happened and how it started. 

The Shaniwar Wada Fort is an iconic structure that has stood the test of time. Its haunting legend, mysterious architecture, and supernatural occurrences have fascinated visitors for generations. While some of the fort’s mysteries have been solved, many still remain unsolved.

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References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Narayan_Rao

Tales of Love & Deceit – the Shaniwar Wada haunted story – Thrilling Travel 

Know why you should avoid visiting Pune’s Shaniwarwada Fort on full moon nights | Times of India Travel 

Is Pune’s Shaniwar Wada really haunted? | Times of India Travel 

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The Haunted Begunkodor Train Station Reopened after being Closed for Decades

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After a rumor about seeing the ghost of a woman wearing a white sari by the rural Begunkodor Train Station, it closed down for decades. Now after it’s opened, the story of the ghost has returned. What exactly is happening by the tracks?

Far from most things in the remote village of Begunkodor in West Bengal lies a railway station shrouded in mystery that spans decades and supposedly haunted by a spectral presence that continues to send shivers down the spines of those who dare to venture near. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Built in the early 1960s but closed down pretty quickly because of the haunted rumors, Begunkodor Train Station serves the Purulia district and has since its reopening been seen as one of the most haunted railway stations in India. 

The Lady in White Saree

Legend has it that Begunkodor Train Station is haunted by the ghost of a lady draped in a white saree—a tragic figure whose spirit wanders the platforms and tracks, forever trapped in a spectral dance of sorrow and despair. 

This story was told by a railway employee working as the station master to the villagers of Begunkodor in 1967, the year they decided to close down the Begunkodor Train Station. After he told about his sightings, he was ignored and nothing was down. Allegedly his first hand account was published, but he wouldn’t survive to tell if for much longer. 

According to local lore, the woman in a white sari has many origin stories. Some claim she is a witch with horrible powers, while other says she is the ghost of a lady who met her untimely demise when she was tragically run over by a train at the station, her life snuffed out in a moment of unspeakable horror. 

Either way, it is said that this very specter holds the power to seriously harm people, perhaps even take their life. 

The Death of the Station Master

Because just seeing the spectral presence of the lady in white is not the only source of terror at Begunkodor Train Station. It is said that the sight of the ghostly apparition led to the death of a railway employee. 

The same year the Station Master tried to warn the villagers about the ghost, the dead bodies of him as well as his family were found in their home. The locals finally took his warning to heard and blamed it all on the ghost or possible witch that were haunting the Begunkodor Train Station. 

After all this controversy and rumors, they closed down the station when the trains passing refused to stop because of the paranormal stuff they claimed they experienced on this platform. 

The Reopened Begunkodor Train Station

Since that fateful day, reports have surfaced of eerie sightings and inexplicable phenomena occurring at Begunkodor Train Station. Witnesses claim to have seen the ghostly apparition of the lady in white, her ethereal form gliding silently along the tracks or twirling in a macabre dance upon the platforms. Some even swear that her mournful wails can be heard echoing through the night, a chilling reminder of the tragedy that befell her.

Despite these chilling reports, the government dismissed the claims of paranormal activity and decided to reopen Begunkodor Station in 2009, after it had lain deserted for 42 years. Some claim that the staff made up the ghost stories to not be stationed there. 

Some even claim that the locals made up the ghost story to get a boost of “ghost tourism”. Perhaps worst is that this particular rationalist group called Paschim Banga Bigyan Mancha, said that the locals then loot the tourists after they scare them away. 

The way that they called it busting the myth about the station being haunted is that they camped out there in 2017 and they saw a group of men in the bushes making the sounds. Although they didn’t manage to catch them, they reckon they were behind the rumors. 

What about the station master and his family’s mysterious death at Begunkodor Train Station? Did it really happen, or was that also a part of the legend created to scare people? For now, no evidence supporting that their death actually happened like they claim. 

Yet, despite the government’s assurances, the whispers of the supernatural persist, casting a pall of fear and unease over the station and its surroundings. People still avoid using this station after sunset and twice a week, it is said that a girl is seen running along the tracks on the same day she died. 

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References:

Begunkodor Railway Station has been reopened more than a decade ago & a few trains stop there – FACTLY 

Myth of West Bengal’s ‘haunted’ Begunkodar railway station busted after 50 years 

Begunkodor Railway Station: West Bengal’s ‘Ghost’ Railway Station That Was Closed For Four Decades 

West Bengal’s Begunkodor no longer a haunted railway station – The Hindu 

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Athcarne Castle and the Ghosts from the Battlefields

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Many battles have been fought throughout time close to Athcarne Castle and the surrounding areas. From the ruins of the once grand castle, people claim to see strange silhouettes and hear the sound of the fallen soldiers. 

In the picturesque countryside near Duleek in County Meath, Ireland, the ruins of Athcarne Castle looms with lingering mysteries that envelop this Elizabethan relic. Constructed in 1590 by the skilled hand of William Bathe, the castle would see a tumultuous journey through time, evolving and transforming before falling into abandonment and decay.

The name Athcarne likely originates from either “Áth Cairn,” signifying the Fording Point at the Cairn or burial mound, or “Ard Cairn,” meaning High Cairn. In the vicinity of the castle, there is a burial mound situated to the southeast, across the Hurley River. There is a possibility that the castle was constructed atop a cairn. A cairn is a pile of stones piled on top of each other, often to mark a burial place. These cairns, believed to be about 4,000 years old, may have been subjected to Viking raids in 861, similar to the raid on Newgrange.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Athcarne Castle, with its imposing façade, once stood as a symbol of power and prestige in the Irish landscape. It served as a residence for its builders and their descendants and underwent a significant reconstruction in 1830. However, by the mid-20th century, the castle’s once-grand walls were left to crumble, transforming it into a haunting remnant of its former glory.

Today it is left alone with a sign telling people: “Danger Keep Out” with fences all around it, although people have still managed to slip past them. 

The Phantom of King James II

James II: (1633 -1701) He was the last Catholic monarch. His reign is now remembered for conflicts over religious tolerance, struggles over the principles of absolutism and the divine right of kings.

Visitors to Athcarne Castle have reported unsettling encounters that extend beyond the bounds of mere history. Figures seen at the castle’s windows invoke a sense of disquiet, as though the castle’s spectral inhabitants are ever watchful. An aura of unwelcome presence has settled over the ruins, leaving many who dare to explore with a chilling sensation of trespassing on ghostly territory.

One enduring legend ties the castle to a historical figure of great significance—King James II. It is said that King James II once laid claim to Athcarne Castle and sought refuge within its walls in 1690, as he was on route to the pivotal Battle of the Boyne. 

The Battle of the Boyne, occurring in 1690, was a significant conflict between King James II, who had been deposed, and King William III, who, alongside Queen Mary II, had ascended to the thrones of England and Scotland in 1689. This battle unfolded near the River Boyne, close to Drogheda. 

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

Ultimately, William emerged victorious, thwarting James’s attempt to regain the British crown and contributing to the ongoing Protestant dominance in Ireland. This pivotal battle happened on 1 July 1690 (Old Style), resulting in William’s triumph over James’s relatively inexperienced army. Although the Williamite War in Ireland persisted until the Treaty of Limerick was signed in October 1691, James fled to France after the Battle of the Boyne and never returned.

Visitors have reported glimpses of the spectral king, standing in silent contemplation, seemingly grappling with the memory of his harrowing defeat on the battlefield.

The Guardian of Irish Freedom

According to local legend, a fierce battle between Irish and English forces unfolded on the Hill of Tara. An Irish fighter, determined to protect his homeland, concealed himself within a haystack near Athcarne Castle. As the enemy approached, he unleashed a volley of shots, but his ammunition proved insufficient. In a desperate escape, he fell victim to the flames that consumed his hiding place, and he met his end on the very spot he fought to defend.

A thistle, nature’s tribute to his bravery, sprouted where he fell, and his spirit was said to guard this sacred ground every night. The unwavering sentinel vowed not to rest until the land of Ireland found freedom.

The Ghostly Echoes of Battle

Eerie cries and mournful moans have been heard echoing through the castle’s silent chambers, haunting remnants of wounded soldiers who met their tragic end here. 

The apparition of a soldier suspended from an oak tree close to the castle casts a spectral shadow over the castle’s surroundings, serving as a poignant reminder of past conflicts. If it is the same Irish fighter as in the other legend is uncertain. But the two legends go to show just how many battles the area has been through under different kings. 

The Distressed Specter of a Young Girl

There are ghost stories from the ruins of the castle that don’t have anything to do with soldiers or kings though. Among the castle’s haunted inhabitants is the apparition of a young girl. Witnesses have described her as appearing in distress, her hands stained with blood. 

It was one of the workers there that told the tale and described her as: “A demented girl with blood covered hands.”

The circumstances of her untimely demise remain shrouded in mystery, leaving behind an enigma that continues to captivate the imaginations of those who encounter her spectral presence.

The Hauntings of Athcarne Castle

Athcarne Castle, with its rich history and spectral lore, stands as a testament to the enduring mysteries of the past. Amidst its crumbling stones and whispered legends, the echoes of Elizabethan intrigue and haunted spirits beckon those who dare to explore its storied ruins. Here, history and myth converge, inviting us to glimpse into the enigmatic and ghostly past of Athcarne Castle.

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References:

Featured Image: Attribution: Kieran Campbell/Wikimedia

Athcarne Castle | Haunted Meath, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Ireland In Ruins: Athcarne Castle Co Meath 

Athcarne Castle – Wikipedia 

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10 Most Haunted Places in France

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A list of ten of the most haunted places in France from enchanted forests, dark châteaus to dark graveyards, the country is filled with ghost stories still haunting from beyond their graves.

France is a country steeped in history, art, and culture, but it is also home to a darker side. From ancient castles filled of rattling of chains and the mysterious ghost dressed in white known as Dame Blanche to deep necropolises and hidden places by the Knight Templar, France boasts an array of haunted locations that have captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

This is a list of only ten of the most haunted places in France we have written about here, but it is far from everyone that exist. For a more extensive list, head over to the archives at Moonmausoleum filled with ghost stories and legends about all of the most haunted places in France.

Brocéliande | Paimpont forest | Brittany — The enchanted and legendary forest of Arthurian legends

Most Haunted Places in France: From the Paimpont Forest in Brittany said to be the real place of the legendary Brocéliande forest.

The legendary Forest of Brocéliande, steeped in myth and mystery, holds tales of both curse and enchantment. Shrouded in Arthurian legends and French folklore, this mythical woodland is said to be home to fairies, spirits, and magical objects like Excalibur.

Dating back to Arthurian tales, the forest is intertwined with the stories of Merlin, King Arthur’s advisor, and the Lady of the Lake, Viviane, who imparted magic and secrets of the spirit world. Legends tell of hidden treasures like Excalibur and the Holy Grail within its depths, captivating adventurers for centuries.

While some regard Brocéliande as purely mythical, many identify the Paimpont Forest in Brittany as its real location. The forest harbors sites like the Vale of No Return, where Morgan le Fay imprisoned unfaithful knights, and the Tombeau de Merlin, where Merlin is said to be entombed.

Brocéliande is inhabited by a variety of mythical creatures, including fairies and protectors of the forest, as well as ghosts and revenants. Perhaps Brocéliande or Paimont Forest is one of the most haunted places in France even? At least the most magical one.

Read the whole story: The Enchanted Forest of Brocéliande

Jardin Tuileries | L’Homme Rouge | Paris — The red man haunting the garden as an omen

Most Haunted Places in France: The Jardin Tuileries used to belong to a castle that is now gone in the middle of Paris. According to the stories, it is haunted by a man in red that is said to be a bad omen.

The Tuileries Palace, once a grand royal residence adjacent to the Louvre Palace in Paris, holds within its storied history a chilling tale of revenge from beyond the grave and is perhaps one of the most haunted places in France. Constructed in the 16th century by Queen Catherine de Medici, this opulent palace was tragically destroyed by fire in 1871 during the tumultuous period of the Paris Commune. However, amidst the ruins lies a lingering specter, known as The Red Man, whose vengeful spirit haunts the nearby Tuileries Gardens to this day.

Legend has it that The Red Man is the restless soul of Jean l’Ecorcheur, a loyal servant turned assassin in service to Queen Catherine. Jean, also known as Jean the Skinner, earned his grisly nickname through his dual roles as a butcher and a clandestine operative for the queen. However, his intimate knowledge of the royal family’s secrets proved to be his undoing. Fearful that he would betray her, Queen Catherine ordered his demise, resulting in a brutal murder within the confines of the Tuileries Gardens.

In death, Jean’s spirit is said to have risen from the grave, cursing all those who dwelled within the palace walls. The Red Man became a harbinger of doom, appearing before significant events that befell the French royals. From the assassination of King Henry IV to the execution of Louis XVI during the French Revolution, sightings of The Red Man preceded these tragic events like a sinister omen.

Read the whole story: The Red Man haunting the Jardin Tuileries in Paris

Mont Saint-Michel | Normandy — The haunted tidal island and a pilgrimage destination

Most Haunted Places in France: The iconic island in Normandy is an old pilgrimage as well as believed to be haunted.

Mont Saint-Michel, an enigmatic island off the coast of France, has inspired centuries of mysterious tales. Initially a monastery, it has transformed into a small village with a rich history of battles and even served as a formidable prison known as the Bastille of the Sea.

The island’s steep cliffs and remote location made it a significant pilgrimage site, marked by its perilous tides, varying up to 14 meters. These natural phenomena have led to its nickname “St. Michael in peril of the sea,” cautioning pilgrims.

Legends abound, including stories of ghost monks haunting the abbey as their graves were desecrated during the French Revolution, their eternal rest being disrupted.

Mont Saint-Michel’s dark history is intertwined with the Hundred Years’ War, where battles for its control ensued. English attempts to seize the island were thwarted, resulting in legends of soldiers’ ghosts haunting its shores. Captain Louis d’Estouteville, a prominent figure in these battles together with his soldiers, is said to protect the abbey to this day, his ghost still guarding against intruders.

Read the whole story: The Haunted and Holy Mont Saint-Michel

Père Lachaise Cemetery | Paris — The haunted cemetery of bloody revolutions and celebrities

Most Haunted Places in France: The cemetery is almost like a city with its walled up mausoleums and streets. Here, the grave of the famous composer, Fred Chopin.

The Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, renowned for its historic significance and famous inhabitants like Jim Morrison and Marcel Proust, has long been shrouded in mystery and ghostly tales and thought to be one of the most haunted places in France as well. Established in 1804 by Emperor Napoleon, this sprawling necropolis covers over 110 acres and attracts visitors from around the globe.

Despite its solemn purpose, the cemetery has witnessed its share of turmoil, including the execution of Communards during the Bloody Week of 1871. Reports of ghostly encounters abound, with visitors and cemetery workers alike recounting eerie experiences among the graves and mausoleums. Additionally, tales of restless spirits, like those of fallen soldiers from past battles, contribute to its haunted reputation.

Read More: There are no shortages of haunted cemeteries in the world.

The cemetery’s most peculiar legend revolves around Baroness Elisabeth Stroganova, whose mausoleum is rumored to hold dark secrets. According to lore, Stroganova offered a substantial inheritance to anyone who could endure spending a full year inside her tomb. Despite several attempts, no one has successfully completed the challenge, leading to speculation about the baroness’s motives and the eerie atmosphere surrounding her grave.

Read the whole story: Paris’ Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery

Gouffre de Padirac Caves | Padirac Chasm | Lot, Occitanie — The cave made by Lucifer himself

Most Haunted Places in France: This natural wonder was thought by many to have been created by the devil himself.

The Gouffre de Padirac, a colossal cave in Southern France with breathtaking rock formations and subterranean rivers, while also shrouding itself in eerie tales of ghosts and mysteries.

Discovered in 1889 by Edouard-Alfred Martel, the cave’s history dates back to the 3rd century, with evidence of habitation in the 1400s and 1500s. Locals speculated about its connection to hell, using it as shelter during wars like the Hundred Years War.

Today, the cave attracts over 400,000 tourists annually, offering awe-inspiring sights like limestone walls adorned with colorful formations and an underground river creating a mystical ambiance.

Legends abound, suggesting Lucifer’s hand in creating the chasm, with tales of Saint Martin’s challenge to cross it to save souls. Rumors persist of hidden treasures guarded by flames, possibly remnants of the Hundred Years War.

Read the whole story: The Mysterious Gouffre de Padirac Caves

Eiffel Tower | Paris — The haunted and deadly romance at the top of the most romantic place on earth

Most Haunted Places in France: Perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks for romance. Could the same be said for it being haunted?

The Eiffel Tower, affectionately known as La dame de fer (the Iron Lady), stands as an iconic symbol of romance and modernity in Paris. Constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair, this architectural marvel has since become a magnet for urban legends, mysterious events, and ghostly sightings.

Despite initial criticism for its design, the tower captivated audiences with its grandeur and size, remaining the world’s tallest structure for over four decades. Today, it continues to draw millions of visitors, contributing to Paris’ reputation as a city of romance and intrigue.

Amidst marriage proposals and picturesque views, the Eiffel Tower harbors darker tales, including stories of jilted lovers and tragic endings. One legend tells of a heartbroken couple meeting at the tower in the 1920s, where a rejected proposal led to a fatal fall. Some claim to have encountered the spirit of the jilted lover or his scorned partner, perpetuating the tower’s haunted reputation and of being one of the most haunted places in France.

Read the whole story: Exploring the Ghost Stories on top of Paris’ Eiffel Tower

Château de Brissac | La Dame Verte | Loire Valley — The lady in green haunting

Most Haunted Places in France

There are no shortages of haunted castles and manors in France. Château de Blandy-les-Tours, Château de Châteaubriant and the Château de Trécesson just being a couple of them. But perhaps one of the more well known and most haunted one being, Château de Brissac, a grand castle in the Loire Valley, holds centuries of ghostly secrets, notably that of the Lady in Green. Built in the 11th century and renovated in the 16th century, it stands as a monument to France’s past, surrounded by seven towers and rich history.

The Green Lady, or La Dame Verte, is rumored to be Charlotte de Brézé, murdered by her husband Jacques de Breze in 1477. Suspected of infidelity, Charlotte was killed alongside her alleged lover, Pierre de Lavergne. Her spirit is said to roam the castle’s tower room, seeking vengeance.

Jacques, tormented by her ghost, eventually left the castle. Yet, visitors still report eerie occurrences, perpetuating the legend of Château de Brissac as one of the most haunted places in France, where the past continues to haunt its halls.

Read the whole story: The Lady in Green Haunting Château de Brissac

The Catacombs | Place Denfert-Rochereau | Paris — The mysterious underground necropolis

Most Haunted Places in France: Deep under the city of Paris, you will find the city of the dead, the catacombs.

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a realm shrouded in darkness and mystery: the Catacombs. Originally an ancient quarry, this network of tunnels now houses the bones of millions of Parisians, relocated from overcrowded cemeteries in the late 1700s.

One infamous story revolves around Philibert Aspairt, a hospital worker who vanished in the catacombs during the French Revolution. Despite efforts to find him, his fate remained unknown until his body was discovered years later. Legend has it that his ghost still roams the labyrinthine corridors, a haunting reminder of the catacombs’ dark past.

But the mysteries of the catacombs extend beyond mere ghost stories. Legends speak of hidden chambers and strange creatures lurking in the shadows, making it perhaps one of the most haunted places in France.

Read the whole story: Scary Tales of The Catacombs of Paris

Château de Bonaguil | Dame Blanche | Saint-Front-sur-Lémance — The November haunting by the lady in white

Most Haunted Places in France: Image Source: Josep Renalias: Inside of the old castles in France, there are often tales of a particular ghost known as Dame Blanches or the Lady in White.

Château de Bonaguil, a 12th-century fortress in Saint-Front-sur-Lémance, France, sits atop a rocky outcrop near the Lot and Dordogne rivers. Its name, meaning “good needle,” refers to its pointy rock foundation.

Originally constructed by knight Arnaud de la Tour of Fumel in the 12th century, the castle saw significant modifications during the Hundred Years War and later by the House of Bérenger de Roquefeuil family in the late 15th century. Renovations transformed it into a formidable fortress, making it one of France’s last fortified castles from the Middle Ages.

Despite its storied past, Château de Bonaguil is rumored to be haunted, attracting paranormal investigators who have reported strange phenomena and captured ghostly images that claim the old castle is one of the most haunted places in France. Legends speak of the Dame Blanche, or White Lady, said to wander the castle’s grounds, particularly in November.

The legend of the Dame Blanche is intertwined with the story of Marguerite de Fumel, daughter of Béranger de Roquefeuil. She allegedly fled her tyrant father and a forced marriage, only to meet a tragic end.

Read the whole story: The November Ghost in Château de Bonaguil

Rue Des Chantres | Paris — The lost children haunting the streets of Paris

Most Haunted Places in France: Picture of the haunted street taken sometime between 1885 and 1925.

Rue des Chantres, near the Seine in Paris, is shrouded in eerie tales of forgotten tragedies and spectral encounters. This small street, close to Notre Dame, holds whispered accounts of agony, death, and haunted houses, painting a sinister picture of its history and is maybe one of the most haunted places in France?.

Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s oldest areas, is steeped in legends of paranormal phenomena. Once home to a convent, castle, and numerous haunted houses, this district is rumored to be inhabited by ghosts of the past. Famed figures like Heloise, from the tragic tale of Heloise and Abelard, once resided in this enigmatic locale.

The chilling legend of the Lost Children on Rue des Chantres stems from a devastating event in 1910. During a severe flood, children from a hospital, housed in the Hotel-Dieu, were trapped and drowned in their rooms. Despite efforts to conceal their bodies, many believe these souls still haunt the street, forever denied peace in death.

Since the tragic flood, witnesses have reported hearing children’s screams and laughter echoing from Rue des Chantres. Strange lights and shadowy figures have also been sighted, attributed to the Lost Children who roam the street, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to venture into their realm.

Read the whole story: The Story of the Lost Children on Rue Des Chantres

Most Haunted Places in France

So this was a little list of the most haunted places in France according to Moonmausoleum, but it is far from every ghost story from the enchanted country filled of dark Châteaus and legendary tales from folklore. For a complete list of all ghost stories from France, check out the archives here.

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References and links to sources used in this article about the most haunted places in France are to be found in their respective articles.

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Ghostly Encounters at the Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda

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In a former sanatorium turned into a psychiatric hospital, there have been tales about hauntings for years. A culmination of all the tragic souls trapped there is said to be haunting the Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda’s abandoned building.

The Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda sanatorium in the Navacerrada mountains close to Madrid in Spain. The sanatorium was built in 1941 in Franco’s Spain to treat some of the very serious diseases that plagued the country. The hospital was also called La Barranca and later The Navacerrada Psychiatric Hospital.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

Patients suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy, polio and other heavy diseases were sent here to the Pinar de la Barranca. Illnesses like tuberculosis wouldn’t get a better cure until the 50s with the rise of antibiotics and was looked as like the white plague because of how the patients looked with the disease.  

At the time, cold and dry air was the best climate to treat it and is the reason why so many tuberculosis hospitals were built in the Sierra de Guadarrama area as with the case with Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda .  

Sanatoriums in Europe

A sanatorium is an old name for specialized hospitals that were made for specific ailments. They were often built in the countryside with plenty of fresh air in a healthy climate isolated from the outside world. Sanatoriums across Europe and America were very popular to treat tuberculosis until the discovery of antibiotics. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from old hospitals like Hauntingly Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital or Hauntings at the Weston State Hospital or the Trans-Allegheny Asylum

It could however also be a place for people to heal from things like alcoholism, nervous diseases like hysteria or emotional exhaustions. After medical advances the use of sanatoriums declined and many were abandoned in the mid 1900s often and has since gained a haunted reputation. 

Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda Closes

After these diseases were slowly but surely cured, the sanatorium was converted into a psychiatric hospital in 1950 before finally closing in 1995. 

The Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda was for a long time not completely closed off and it was an easy access to curious people that wanted to have a look. 

Inside they could find records of patients and treatments that hadn’t been cleared out as well as experiencing what some claim was something paranormal. 

The Haunting of the Sanatorium

The people that have decided to go inside of the abandoned Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda claim that they felt some sort of presence in the abandoned corridors and doors would open and close with some kind of force. 

The electrical devices they brought with them inside had a habit of stopping working. There are also those who claim to have seen lights that look like little lanterns walking around. 

Who are the ghosts Haunting Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda

But who are the ghosts still haunting the old Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda? There is not a single ghost that are talked about, rather a culmination of all the souls that passed the hospital is said to have left some sort of energy behind. There are however reports about people spotting distinctive figures haunting the place. 

There are said to be children running around in the corridor, playing a game that will last an eternity. There are also reports of old women wearing white clothes, looking confused. A mother has been spotted leaning out of the windows with a baby in her arms as well as the more vague footsteps and voices coming from the darkness. 

From what time these ghosts came from is uncertain. Was it from the time it was used as an anti-tuberculosis sanatorium or perhaps later when it was converted into a psychiatric hospital.

The Future of the Sanatorium

The building was big and could be used for many purposes. Why is it that no one put the old building in use? Was it because of the haunted rumors no one wanted to have a part in? Perhaps it was just because the location is far away from anything and inconvenient?

Today the place is only visited by vandals, paranormal seekers and spiritualists although the place is closed off for visitors and is punishable by a fine. 

In September 2020, the building made headlines when a man fell through two floors and hurt himself badly. He said he was there with friends to drink and do spiritualism to try to contact the afterlife. And in the effort, he almost went to the other side himself. 

In 2023 though, the national park the Sanatorium of Santo Angel de la Guarda is located in decided to demolish the building. Exactly when it happens though, is unclear but was believed that would be done during that year.

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References:

DESMEMORIATS: HOSPITAL DEL SANTO ÁNGEL DE LA GUARDA
The 10 most famous haunted houses in Spain — idealista

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The Haunted History of Three Kings Chapel in Goa

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Despite no seemingly root in reality as the ghost story is told today, the legends about the three kings that are haunting the Three Kings Chapel in Goa keep being told and they are said to come out at night when no one is supposed to stay. 

The Three Kings Chapel on top of Cuelium hill shines white against the blue sky of Goa. The old church is also known as the Church of Our Lady of Remedies and is found in South Goa in India. The allegedly haunted church has long been associated with ghost sightings, supernatural activities, and unexplained occurrences. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The church’s dark past is riddled with tales of Portuguese invaders, brutal battles, and tragic deaths that have left their mark on the very foundation of the building. The locals believe that the spirits of the fallen soldiers and innocent civilians still haunt the Three Kings Chapel making it one of the most haunted places in Goa. 

Three Kings Chapel: Source

History of Three Kings Chapel

The Three Kings Chapel was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese in the village of Cansaulim on top of a hill called Cuelim over the coconut trees below. The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510 and defeated the Bijapur Sultanate. Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture.

The Three Kings Chapel’s original name is apparently Remedios Saibini Church or Our Lady of Remedies. It was built in 1599 by Fr Gonzalo Carvalho S.J. During this time the Portuguese Empire ruled Goa. 

Why the name was changed is uncertain though. The Three Kings Chapel refers to the three wise men in the bible that visited Baby Jesus in his crib. Every year the Christians celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings on the 6th of January that marks the end of Christmas, especially for the Spanish and Portuguese. 

The Three Kings Coming to Goa

There are many legends connected to this The Three Kings Chapel that are said to be the source of the legends and ghost stories coming from there. One being that there once were three Portuguese kings that were fighting for power in the area, or in some cases prince brothers that all fought to be the single ruling king. 

One of the Kings invited the other two for dinner once and claimed he wanted to find a peaceful solution to their quarrels. When the dinner party arrived though, he poisoned their food and declared himself king after they died. 

His plan backfired though when his brother’s supporters found out what he had done though and he was aware about the repercussions. Fearing the wrath of the other two kings supporters though, he drank the poison as well and died along with them. 

The Haunted Cemetery

Together they were all buried in the cemetery of the Three Kings Chapel. It is said that their spirits still roam around in the graveyard on top of the hill, still governing their kingdom they wanted so much and died for. 

People visiting the hill the Three Kings Chapel sits on claim to have seen something ghostly in the dark, and felt something they describe like a strong presence. 

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The locals advise to not visit the haunted church late at night, as the story goes you will never be seen again. Some say that they only say this to keep lovers away from this secluded place though. 

There is also the legend of a tree that is outside of the church. When you leave, you must never look back at it. People are also said to get sick or if they are not baptized when visiting and so on. 

Three Kings Chapel: Source

Legends and Myths Surrounding the Church

As history goes, we do know where the Portuguese king was throughout the times, and it wasn’t in Goa. So who was supposedly quarreling by the Three Kings Chapel? Some speculate that the legend could be of a more local power struggle when the Portuguese claimed the land. Throughout the times though, the local warlords became more royal for the story’s effect.

In some sources they call the King that poisoned his brothers, King Holger Alvunge, but as it is a Scandinavian sounding name, it has most likely no base in reality. But even in old days in the Goa governance, they usually kept records, and there have been no leaders with the name of Holger Alvunge. 

There are also claims of lights coming from the haunted church that are like a ghost procession for the kings in the dead of the night, gliding around the church and coming down the hill. But that may very be during the Three Kings festival where people parade to the top throwing coins. After they usually stay back a couple with light to collect them. 

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References:

The Haunted Three Kings Chapel is not Haunted. 

Three Kings Church, Cansaulim (Goa) – Haunted Places of Goa – Holidify 

IS THE THREE KINGS CHAPEL REALLY A HAUNTED PLACE IN GOA? – That Goan Girl 

Three Kings Chapel, Goa: Is It Really Haunted? | LBB 

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The Bloody Hauntings at Aughrim Battlefield

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After thousands of people died in the war on the bloody Aughrim Battlefield, it has ever since been rumored the ghosts of the fallen soldiers are still haunting the place. The sounds of soldiers fighting and battlecries can be heard in the darkness in what is known as the Bloody Hollow. 

Forget not the field where they perish’d,
The truest, the last of the brave,
All gone — and the bright hope we cherish’d
Gone with them, and quench’d in their grave!
– Thomas Moore, Forget Not the Field

In the serene and lush landscapes of County Galway in Ireland, the Aughrim Battlefield bears witness to a tragic chapter in Irish history – the Battle of Aughrim. This hallowed ground, once the site of a fierce conflict, now tells a story that transcends the ages, filled with bravery, sorrow, and restless spirits that continue to haunt its fields that has been remembered as The Bloody Hollow.

A Clash of Loyalties

The Battle of Aughrim unfolded on the fateful day of July 25, 1691, according to the modern calendar (July 12 in the old calendar). On this day, 35,000 soldiers from eight nations converged near Aughrim in County Galway, their loyalties torn between William of Orange and King James II. This clash of titans resulted in a harrowing spectacle of war and carnage that would forever etch the name of Aughrim in history.

Aughrim Battlefield: Depiction of the Battle of Aughrim (1691) by John Mulvany. The battle was a bloody one and it is believed that the ghosts of the fallen soldiers is still haunting the fields.

The Aftermath of Aughrim Battlefield

The Jacobite casualties were substantial, and many were killed even after surrendering. The battle ended in the evening as darkness and mist descended upon the battlefield.

The scale of the tragedy that unfolded on the battlefield is staggering and one of the worst massacres in the history of the country. As many as 7,000 soldiers are believed to have met their untimely demise on that fateful day the Jacobite army lost to the Williamites. 

Their lifeless bodies were left to decay where they had fallen, and the decaying corpses were left for a year in pools of blood until there were only skeletons left. 

The Ghosts of Aughrim

Aughrim Battlefield has a voice that speaks across time and people claim that ever since the battle, the fields are now haunted. Visitors have reported hearing battle-related noises, the agonizing screams of dying men, and the haunting echoes of a conflict long past. These auditory remnants of history serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice and suffering endured on this hallowed ground. 

Read Also: Check out the story about Ghost Stories from the Gettysburg Battlefield or The Haunted Town and Tragedy of Belchite for more ghost stories from battlefields.

Within the battlefield lies a place known as “The Bloody Hollow,” a somber reminder of the battle’s grim toll. Visitors have described feelings of intense fear and the sensation of being touched by unseen hands in this area. Some attribute these eerie experiences to the soldiers who perished here, their pleas for help echoing through the centuries.

One poignant apparition said to haunt Aughrim is that of a loyal canine. This faithful companion stood vigil over its fallen master, refusing to leave even after death claimed its owner. The dog’s spectral presence is often seen at the spot where its master met his end, a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions.

The Ever Bloody Fields of Aughrim

In the shadows of Aughrim Battlefield, the lingering spirits of fallen soldiers continue to haunt the land. Their restless souls, forever trapped in the memories of that fateful day, find no peace. The echoes of battle still reverberate through the Bloody Hollow, where the cries of combat and the clash of swords pierce through the silence of the night.

The stories of Aughrim Battlefield, etched in the annals of Irish history, serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of war and the enduring impact it leaves behind.

In the heart of County Galway, the ghosts of Aughrim Battlefield still whisper their stories, their voices carried on the wind. And as long as there are those who seek to remember, to honor, and to learn from the past, the spirits of Aughrim Battlefield will forever endure, their presence felt by all who walk these haunted grounds.

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References:

Battle of Aughrim – Wikipedia 

Aughrim Battlefield | Haunted Galway, Ireland | Spirited Isle